BRUNSWICK — Some members of the Town Council and School Board are planning to seek re-election in November, and so far every race is uncontested.

Nomination papers became available July 27 and are due at the Brunswick Town Clerk’s office no later than 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7. 

In addition to one at-large seat on both the Town Council and School Board, seats in Districts 3 and 4 are available.

On the council, Chairman John Perrault, who represents District 4, has taken out nomination papers.

On Aug. 8, Perrault said he is “99 percent sure” he will run, although he started off the year not planning on it.

“A lot of people have asked me to stay,” he said.

At-large Councilor Alison Harris, who did not respond to a request for comment on her future plans, has not taken out papers for re-election. Neither has District 3 Councilor Suzan Wilson.

Wilson also did not respond to a request for comment, but said at the council’s July 16 meeting she “thinks it’s time for a new person” from her district to “enjoy the fun.” She was elected to the Town Council in 2009.

The town clerk’s office said Wednesday that no one has taken out papers yet for Wilson’s seat, and Perrault is the only person who has taken out papers for District 4.

Three people have taken out papers for Harris’ at-large seat: Dan Ankeles, Lucy Holm and Sandra Updegraph.

The clerk’s office said Wednesday that Ankeles is the only at-large candidate who has returned his nomination petition with a valid number of signatures so far, qualifying him for the November ballot. 

Town Clerk Fran Smith also said no one else, including any of the incumbents, has returned papers yet.

According to a press release Ankeles issued Aug. 2, he is a former recreation commission chairman and a first-time candidate for council. Ankeles turned in the maximum number of 150 signatures to the clerk’s office last week.

“I’m grateful to my neighbors all over town who shared their ideas and their vision for Brunswick and helped me qualify for the ballot in under a week,” Ankeles said in the release.

On the School Board side, at-large member Joy Prescott, who is also chairwoman of the board, has taken out papers for re-election, as has Teresa Gillis, who represents District 3.

Corinne Perrault, who represents District 4, will be ending her tenure on the board after 18 years. Celina Harrison has taken out papers to run for Perrault’s seat.

Perrault said it has been an “honor” to serve Brunswick, and the support from the community has been “amazing.”

She also commented on how her life has changed since taking office, noting she found out the day before being elected 18 years ago she was pregnant with her daughter, who will be a senior at Brunswick High School in the fall. 

“I’ve done my time, it’s time for some new blood to go in,” she said. “I really very much enjoyed it, but it’s time to move on.”

Perrault added she has spoken with Harrison about running for the seat, and said she “fully supports” her. 

Gillis, who will finish her first term at the end of the year, said in an email Wednesday she is looking forward to “continuing the great work” the School Board is doing for “all the children of Brunswick.”

“I have enjoyed working with a board that is kind and respectful to one another, even when our views differ,” she said. “I believe we are a board that is committed to ensuring the best possible education and supportive school environment for our students, faculty, and staff.”

Elizabeth Clemente can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 100 or eclemente@theforecaster.net. Follow Elizabeth on Twitter @epclemente. 

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